A video captures the heartwarming moment a chimpanzee that was rejected by its mother is reunited with his human parents six years after they helped him.
Limbani the chimp was born with pneumonia, and his mother rejected him from an early age.
Zoological Wildlife Foundation (ZWF) Miami said when Limbani arrived at the zoo, he was in a ‘terrible’ state, saying he was in ‘desperate’ need of round-the-clock care.
Alongside owners Maria and Mario Tabraue, among those who helped the animal were Tania and Jorge Sanchez, who volunteered to foster the baby chimp while he was receiving the necessary medicines and life-saving treatments.
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While almost seven years have now passed since they stepped in to help Limbani, the bond has clearly never been stronger – as shown by the incredible reaction he had when he was reunited with them recently.
Footage posted by ZWF Miami shows Limbani excitedly leaping up into Jorge’s arms, before leaning in to Tania for a cuddle.
In another clip, Tania briefly leaves to get the animal some treats and Limbani appears upset, but Jorge reassures him: “She’ll be back!”
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They then run over to her, at which point Tania leans down to say to him “I’m so happy to see you!”.
Naturally, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house among YouTubers watching the emotional reunion, with one commenting: “It’s so beautiful that he remembers them and still has a strong connection with them. apes are so much like us and it’s so cool to see.”
Someone else said: “He's so happy to see his mom and dad again. Thanks to them and other caretakers he's here today and he looks like a verry happy chimp!!!”
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A third wrote: “A wonderful reunion. Limbani has so much love to give... Beautiful smile.”
A fourth added: “CRYING HAPPY TEARS 4 THIS BEAUTIFUL SWEET BABY!!!”
Founded in 2000 by Mario and Maria Tabraue, ZWF is an organisation ‘dedicated to educating the public about rare and endangered animal species in captivity and in the wild’.
Its website says: “Raising public awareness will aid the preservation and propagation of these creatures that are disappearing on a daily basis.”
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Mario and Maria brought their 'passion' into a foundation, which today is accredited by the Zoological Association of America, and considered one of the top zoos in the US, alongside the San Diego Zoo and the Bronx Zoo.
Jess Hardiman